Mulai Beroperasi Kembali, Smelter Freeport Gresik Mulai Masuk Fase Ramp-up

JAKARTA - President Director of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) Tony Wenas revealed that currently Freeport's new smelter that caught fire in October 2024 has returned to operation and will produce a copper cathode by the end of June 2025.

"After entering the concentrate, it is processed at the furnace into an anodetembaga, then taken to the electrorefinery to become a copper cathode," Tony said, Thursday, May 22.

Tony said that by operating again, this smelter also entered the ramp-up phase, namely production capacity which gradually increased from 40 percent to achieving full 100 percent production in December 2025.

"The smelter production will actually start in the third week of June. However, in its development, the repair process can be completed more quickly," he added.

Tony said the re-operation of the PTFI smelter in the third week of May was a very good achievement and is clear evidence of the company's resilience in overcoming various challenges and implementing commitments to downstreaming.

Tony said, to accelerate production of this smelter, PTFI uses wide-body cargo planes to accelerate material shipments from outside the country, including the Boeing 747 and three Antonov-AN124 trips with a total of more than 300 tons.

Tony added that the company made various maximum efforts, including deploying about 2,000 workers for repairs with a two-shift work scheme and focusing on repairs, procurement, construction, and installation.

"By prioritizing safety, we are trying our best so that improvements and commissioning of smelters are completed more quickly and efficiently. Every stage we carry out with great care and full calculation so that the smelter returns to production as soon as possible," Tony said.

Tony emphasized that the re-operation of the PTFI smelter is a strategic step that not only supports the independence of the domestic industry, but also strengthens Indonesia's position in the global market.

"As part of the government's vision towards Indonesia Gold 2045, PTFI is committed to continuing to contribute and provide added value to the nation and state," he said.

Just so you know, previously PTFI targets new improvements to be completed in September.